One of the primary purposes of religion and belief in G-d is to make us feel empowered. This world is scary; there are a great number of factors that directly affect our lives that we cannot come close to understanding, let alone controlling. In these uncertain times, it’s especially important to realize that we do not have control, and that we can just place trust in a greater being and then move on.

The image of a flock is very important. With the hustle and bustle of modern living, it feels sometimes that we’re being herded to work, and then back home again. We have learned to accept this, and to believe that so long as we participate and move where life takes us, our needs will be provided for.

Life’s trials are draining sometimes, and it’s sometimes easy to lose one’s way. When there’s a choice, we should always choose the path of “righteousness.” We should do this not just for ourselves, but because we have faith that doing so is pleasing to that which protects us.

You prepare a table for me in the full presence of my enemies, You anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

We cannot remove evil from the world. Evil is going to be ever-present, but it does not have to be all-consuming. Just by having faith, we can effectively conduct our lives despite the factors that would tend to disturb them.

(May) only good and kindness pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of The Lord for long days."

The key word in this passage is “pursue”. When we think of that word, we think of an attacker, or more symbolically, the constant race to outrun our fears. We ask to instead be faced with “good” and “kindness” to overcome our physical and psychological enemies. The passage ends with the request for protection, like a parent protects a child. We ask to be allowed not just to survive, but also to live in happiness, to “dwell”.

It’s up to each of us. We can choose to let these truths rule our lives, or we can choose to have faith. We can let the chaos and evil of the outside world spread to us, or we can live in a world of (at least) internalpeace.

Overview:
Confidence in God's Grace and care.
- "The Lord is my Shepherd." In these words, the believer is
taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great
Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With
joy he reflects that he has a Shepherd, and that Shepherd isJehovah. A flock of Sheep, gentle and harmless, feeding in
verdant pastures, under the care of a skilful, watchful, and
tender Shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to
the Shepherd of their souls. The greatest abundance is but a dry
pasture to a wicked Man, who relishes in it only what pleases
the senses; but to a godly Man, who ByFaith tastes the Goodness
of God in all his enjoyments, though he has but little of the
world, it is a green pasture. The Lord gives quiet andContentment in the mind, whatever the Lot is. Are we blessed
with the green pastures of the ordinances, let us not think it
enough to pass through them, but let us abide in them. The
consolations of the Holy Spirit are the still waters By which
the saints are led; the streams which flow from the Fountain of
living waters. Those only are led By the still waters of
comfort, who walk in the paths of Righteousness. The way of duty
is the truly pleasant way. The work of Righteousness in peace.
In these paths we cannot walk, unless God lead us into them,
and lead us On in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from
unbelief; an unsteady walk is the consequence: let us then
simply trust our Shepherd's care, and hearken to his voice. TheValley of the Shadow of Death may denote the most severe and
terrible affliction, or dark Dispensation of Providence, that
the psalmist ever could come under. Between the part of the
flock OnEarth and that which is gone to Heaven, Death lies like
a dark Valley that must be passed in going from one to the
other. But even in this there are words which lessen the terror.
It is but the Shadow of Death: the Shadow of a Serpent will not
sting, nor the Shadow of a Sword kill. It is a Valley, Deep
indeed, and dark, and miry; but valleys are often fruitful, andSo is Death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. It is a
walk through it: they shall not be lost in this Valley, but get
safe to the mountain On the other side. Death is a King of
terrors, but not to the Sheep of Christ. When they come to die,God will rebuke the enemy; he will guide them with his rod, and
sustain them with his staff. There is enough in the Gospel to
comfort the saints when dying, and underneath them are theEverlasting arms. The Lord's people Feast at his table, upon the
provisions of his Love. Satan and wicked men are not able to
destroy their comforts, while they are anointed with the HolySpirit, and Drink of the Cup of Salvation which is ever full.
Past experience teaches believers to trust that the Goodness andMercy of God will follow them all the days of their lives, and
it is their desire and determination, to seek their happiness in
the service of God here, and they Hope to enjoy his Love for
ever in Heaven. While here, the Lord can make any situation
pleasant, By the anointing of his Spirit and the joys of hisSalvation. But those that would be satisfied with the blessings
of his House, must keep close to the duties of it.

The above rewriting of the 23rd Psalm came about when my Mum asked me to write a version of the 23rd Psalm based on my tough times of living on the streets. (I currently live on the couch of a Brother in Christ). Right now while not dealing with my multiple headed job search, I am doing the Work God prepared for me to do in advance as an Ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven. I hope that this verse has been of blessing to you.